The Chief Rabbis issued a joint call this morning (Tuesday) to observe all the necessary precautions when lighting the Lag BaOmer bonfires - especially in light of the severe weather expected this year, which could cause the fires to go out of control.
The Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community, Rabbi Yosef, and the Chief Rabbi of the Jewish Community, Rabbi David Lau, issued a call to be careful when lighting bonfires on Lag BaOmer and to obey the instructions of the fire and rescue forces.
""We are obligated to act while observing the laws of the Holy Torah, primarily 'and you shall be very careful for your souls,' when we must obey the instructions of the rescue forces and avoid lighting fires in dangerous places. We must strictly adhere to the strict prohibition on the use of dangerous burning materials that can endanger the lives of the public participating in the numerous fires," the rabbis write.
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They also warn that this year, in light of the extreme heat expected on Lag BaOmer, extreme caution should be exercised regarding the size and location of the bonfires: "This year in particular, according to the forecast, there should be great heat, and in such weather there are more concerns. It is appropriate to limit the number and size of the bonfires. There is no need to set up large bonfires that are dangerous, and it is better to gather around a few bonfires. It should be remembered that the bonfire is not the purpose of the day, but rather the idea is to increase adherence to the Torah of the Rashbi.".
The Chief Rabbis also address the issue of stealing and damaging fruit and ornamental trees that occur when collecting firewood for lighting bonfires: "The prohibition of 'stealing' must be strictly observed, as some pick trees from private fields in violation of Halacha. Likewise, there is a complete prohibition against damaging good trees and cutting down fruit and ornamental trees, when according to Halacha jurists this is a 'do not damage', and as the Torah obliges us, we must be mindful of environmental damage that may be caused as a result of lighting.""
